Conditions History

Dogs
Leashed

Features
River/Creek · Swimming · Waterfall

Family Friendly
A moderate out-and-back to a beautiful falls with the opportunity for a dip in the cool water.

Park open sunrise - sunset.

Overview

This out-and-back hike starts from the lovely Eaton Canyon Nature Center, which is a great place to get outside in and of itself. Heading north, the trail is wide and gradual until the final section that leaves the Nature Center and heads onto Angeles National Forest. This stretch is comparatively much more wild as the trail narrows into singletrack and heads up through a tight ravine to the falls.

Need to Know

Area above falls is closed to public use. There have been several deaths and many rescues from people attempting to climb above the falls. Expect large crowds on weekends.

Description

To access this featured hike, head to the Eaton Canyon Nature Center off Altadena Dr on Veranda Ave. Park anywhere within the Nature Center parking area and head north to the end of the lot.

Here, you'll start onto the Eaton Canyon Trail, which is a wide, dirt path that gradually heads upwards through the park. Continue bearing north/northwest using the Hiking Project mobile app when necessary, but the trail should be easy to follow.

After ~1.2 miles, you'll approach a white concrete bridge where the Mt. Wilson Toll Road #2N45 crosses Eaton Creek. Head under the bridge and onto the narrower section of trail that follows the creek up the ravine for a little over a half mile until it reaches the falls. This section is exciting to explore and makes for a great reward for younger travelers. That said, the terrain is a little more rugged and should be taken slowly.

After one tight left-hand hairpin turn, the trail comes out to the falls with the pool below. In the warmer months, many visitors can be seen enjoying the cool waters before their return trip. After enjoying this hidden oasis, turn back and return the way you came.

Flora & Fauna

Spring months can be a great time to see blooming wildflowers along this route.

It really depends on when you go. It's a great little hike. Fairly easy, some shade, water at the top. But when I got to the top, my pup and I were greeted by a whole army of school kids. Footballs were being kicked into the waterfall. Radios were blaring music. Yelling and screaming. Things were being thrown everywhere. There was easily 20-30 people at the top. We tried to get to the water, but there was just too much commotion, and very little solitude and quiet that I generally look for when hiking. If it were at least quiet, it would have been a great hike instead of a good hike. I went on a Thursday. Maybe that is fieldtrip day? I don't know. Just a heads up to fellow adventurers.
Jan 1, 2018